Thanks to the purchase of ToyBox designed Christmas cards, one WA girl has been given the gift of independence.

Being born with a disability that leaves you wheelchair bound is not a fate anyone expects to be burdened with, but for Madeline it is simply a fact of life. Aged nine, Madeline suffers from a multiple joint disorder called Arthrogryposis that severely restricts the movement in her joints. Despite these limitations, Madeline tries to maintain the active life of a typical young girl with one difference – a wheelchair that at times had become difficult to manoeuvre into wheelchair unfriendly areas.

As Madeline and her mother Aisling have discovered, trying to maintain independence has been a struggle but with the help of Variety and ToyBox, Madeline is now able to participate in more activities with confidence. Variety provides a number of Freedom grants that enable children with physical disabilities to enjoy activities with more ease and thanks to generous support from those who purchased ToyBox designed Christmas cards, Madeline was recently the lucky recipient of a brand new wheelchair ramp.

Aisling was particularly delighted with the ramp as “having a special needs child we encounter a lot of expenses that other families may not; receiving the ramp has been a great help to our family financially.” For Madeline, participating in her community activities such as swimming and excursions has now become not only more accessible but social activities are much easier to enjoy. No longer is it awkward to get a hefty wheelchair over steps and inclines, Madeline’s new ramp has made it easier to say yes to those invitations of sleepovers and friends parties that were once so cumbersome. Aisling sums it up perfectly when commenting on the feelings behind the generous help received through Variety and ToyBox contributors.

“Our family is very grateful that Madeline can spend time away from home without any assistance. Madeline’s wheelchair is heavy so lifting the chair can be difficult; now we have the ramp that we can take anywhere. Madeline is enjoying the benefits and so are we, a very big thank you.”

If this story of generosity has touched your heart you can help by subscribing to Box Magazine at boxmagazine.com.au or calling 1300 BOX MAG.